Loeb’s New Pikes Peak Lion In The Roar

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Peugeot Sport have just released shots of the 208 that multiple WRC champion Sebastian Loeb will use to take on this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and it’s a carbon-fibre, wing-laden monster.

It was only three weeks ago that the French team officially announced their programme, but this shows that they’ve been beavering away in secret for quite some time.

The new car pays homage to a classic line of Peugeot racers: it will be called the 208 T16 Pikes Peak, and will be going straight for the jugular in the top Unlimited class. Peugeot aren’t being shy about this: they’re directly putting it up there with the 405 T16 that won back to back victories in 1988 and ’89 in the hands of Ari Vatinen and Robby Unser respectively.

The rear wing has been taken from the defunct LMP1 programme…

… and the splitter is similarly hardcore in appearance.

Engine and performance details are still awaited, as is the final livery…

… though I don’t think they’d get many complaints if it retained this amazing stealth appearance! It looks like being another stunning race to the clouds, with even more top-level competitors lining up to take part.

I find it difficult to like this machine, don't hate me, think about it. The original 405 was cutting edge technology back in a day. It had mid mounted engine, 4wd, monocoque, steel space frames, carbon fiber body. It was evolution version of Rally dominating group-B 205 and after the Pikes Peak it raced in Rally Raids, victory in -89 and -90 Paris-Dakar.

Come to this 'new' machine which does not bring anything new to the game. I find that space frame quite american in design, no triangular shapes and why it has to be full width, take a look at modern WRC roll cages for example. I am suggesting that this frame is just bought in from some american project and topped with bits and pieces from shelf. They could have used F3000 or any other carbon fiber monocoque but no. Engine was said to be V6 lmp-engine so it has to come from Courage C60 Peugeot, yes it is hi-tech I give you that.

Finally that rear wing, those LMP1 wing profiles are extremely low drag and moderate down force designed for high speed. In high altitude twisty course you would need something very different and come to race day something different we will see.

I respect Peugeot for diving back into Pikes Peak - but is anyone else upset to see recycled parts from their LMP1 project? To hell with Pikes - go back to giving Audi hell in Le Mans...make LMP1 watchable again!

To those who think that Loeb doesn't stand a chance to win this! Do not forget that this guy don't do things where he can't be the best! He loves challenge and his hunger for being the fastest is huge! He is patient and he knows the limit, and he goes to it everytime! Just look at him! First time at xgames and he wins, first race in GT and he wins! So this will be amazing! I am not saying that he will win, but he is one to watch out for!

I'm very very surprised that they are using that rear wing. Sure, it has proven performance in LMP1, but that's at a much higher average speed, and not at elevation like Pikes Peak. They need a triple element with MUCH more camber and thickness. This is Pikes Peak, no need to use a wing that has regulations from another racing series

Millen don't have 1/10 of the victories Loeb earn , I wonder why ? 1 race per year? that is laughable , there is not a single pilot which has won has many championship as Loeb did , time for you to get a refresher course on European road race , so go on youtube and enter loeb monte carlo and since you are at it take a look at European hill climb , then search norma m20 bmw 3l course de cote get your head phones on and hd tv , by the way the norma race car are built in France in a town named Saint pe de bigorre , in English Holy fart from st pierre de bigorre , by the way the driver of that norma is 60 years old .........

You sound like an expert perhaps you should apply at their racing design center I can get you the address .....

the 405 would not be able to reach the same speed , those were the days , now all cars are built on a tubular frame with the exception of monocoque FI INY and the like , sound like you have been away from the rally scene for a few years

Yeah, definately agree he will be one to watch. His X-Games win was perhaps a little hollow as he was in the best car and his biggest rival was in the hospital. And his win at Circuit de Pau wasn't his first GT race... but then you don't win 9 WRC titles without a bit of skill!

@greenroadster I'm not sure on that. I'm not questioning that Loeb is a huge talent - and I'm sure that Peugeot have poured a lot into this car - but Pikes Peak is never kind to rookies, so to come in the first year and dominate the climb is a big ask. if anyone can do it though, Loeb can... As for the record. if a front running unlimited car completes the climb this year, then I have no doubt the record will be smashed again.

@KillerRaccoon the only way it wouldn't beat the NSX is if something in the car breaks. and millen's unlimited car has yet to actually have a good year so i am not expecting much trouble from that either. the only car i'm worried about in terms of opposition is the peugeot, breaking itself and ruining its own chances

@KillerRaccoon I wouldn't underestimate the enormous resources Pug will throw at this race. It looks fairly unassuming but I bet they are blowing cash like they want to crush all records right out of the box. Loeb doesn't hurt either...

It's not just the rear wing, the underfloor and front end of the car reeks of a efficiency design philosophy (their press release states the same). That means nothing at a place like Pike's Peak where ultimate downforce is what you need since the air density is so low at the altitude. There's a lot of cost cutting with this car, and while I still think Loeb is going to lay the smackdown on the competition due to how incredible of a driver he is, the aero could be done better

@greenroadster Its been a long time since Peugeot/PSA have been at Pikes Peak and things have changed a lot! Look at Gronholm and his attack on Pikes Peak: experienced driver, developed car... I'm not saying Loeb won't/can't do it: but its not going to be easy! As I said earlier though, none of the front running Unlimited cars made it to the top last year. If one of them does this year the record will surely be broken again.

@TheExoDozzMRT@TKimmell@FairozAzami According to the entry list of Pikes Peak 2013 Tajima is driving the same electric car as last year. Monster Sport's website says that the Super 86 is for All Japan Dirt Trial Championship.